Grease Distribution Methods

ABSTRACT

Methods of lubricating fracking valves on a wellhead include mounting a distribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead, the distribution manifold having a plurality of manifold valves; selecting at least one of the fracking valves for lubrication; coupling at least one of the plurality of manifold valves of the grease distribution system to the at least one of the fracking valves; coupling a grease pump to the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; opening the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; and distributing grease from the grease pump through the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves to the at least one of the fracking valves by operation of the grease pump.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/161,747, filed May23, 2016 and entitled GREASE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, whichapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirely.

FIELD

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to systemsand methods for lubricating fracking valves on a well fracking systemused to form fractures in hydrocarbon-containing formations surroundinga subterranean hydrocarbon production well. More particularly,illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to greasedistribution methods which facilitate selective precisely-controlledgreasing and lubrication of individual fracking valves on a wellfracking system.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed tomethods of lubricating fracking valves on a wellhead, a stand mount, amobile skid, a grease skid or a trailer. An illustrative embodiment ofthe methods includes mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on the wellhead, the stand mount, the mobile skid,the grease skid or the trailer, the distribution manifold having aplurality of manifold valves; selecting at least one of the frackingvalves for lubrication; coupling at least one of the plurality ofmanifold valves of the grease distribution system to the at least one ofthe fracking valves; coupling a grease pump to the at least one of theplurality of manifold valves; opening the at least one of the pluralityof manifold valves; and distributing grease from the grease pump throughthe at least one of the plurality of manifold valves to the at least oneof the fracking valves by operation of the grease pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will nowbe described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary well fracking systemin typical application of an illustrative embodiment of the greasedistribution systems;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of thegrease distribution systems;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of thegrease distribution systems, mounted on a well head in typicalapplication of the system;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multiple tacking valves on the wellhead, with the grease distribution system connected to each frackingvalve through a corresponding valve outlet conduit safety valve andpressure gauge;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of a typicaldistribution manifold of the grease distribution system, attached to thewell head (illustrated in phantom);

FIG. 6 is a front view of a distribution manifold inlet coupling, agrease meter, an optional stroke counter and a manifold valve mounted ona valve mount plate of the distribution manifold, with the manifoldvalve connected to a fracking valve through a valve outlet conduit(illustrated in section), a safety valve and a grease pressure gauge,more particularly illustrating the manifold valve and the safety valvein closed positions;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the distribution manifold inlet coupling, thegrease meter, the optional stroke counter and the manifold valve mountedon the valve mount plate of the distribution manifold, with the manifoldvalve connected to the fracking valve through the valve outlet conduit(illustrated in section), the safety valve and the grease pressuregauge, more particularly illustrating the manifold valve and the safetyvalve in open positions.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the greasedistribution methods;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mounting of the greasedistribution system on the wellhead;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mounting of the greasedistribution on a stand;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mounting of the greasedistribution system on a mobile skid;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mounting of the greasedistribution system on a mobile grease skid;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mounting of the greasedistribution system on a trailer; and

FIG. 14 is a front view of a typical stand and the manifold of thegrease distribution system mounted on the stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 3.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 3-5 of the drawings, a non-limitingillustrative embodiment of the grease distribution systems is generallyindicated by reference numeral 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and will behereinafter described, the grease distribution system 100 is suitablefor periodically distributing and applying grease 184 in aprecisely-controlled manner individually to one or simultaneously somore than one fracking valve 164 in a well fracking system 158. Thefracking valves 164 may be part of an above-ground well head 160 whichoverlies and communicates with a subterranean hydrocarbon (oil or gas)production well (not illustrated). As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, a tubingstring 162 may extend into the subterranean hydrocarbon production well.The wellhead 160 may include multiple fracking valves 164 which aredisposed in fluid communication with the above-ground segment of thetubing string 162. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some frackingoperations, a selected number of additional fracking valves 164 may beprovided on a horizontal injection conduit 163 which communicates withthe tubing string 162.

In typical operation, the well fracking system 158 induces fractures inhydrocarbon-containing formations which surround the subterraneanhydrocarbon production well. Accordingly, a typically hydraulic frackingpump 166 may be coupled in fluid communication with the fracking valves164 typically through a fracking manifold 182. A fracking blender 172mas be coupled in fluid communication with the fracking pump 166. Afresh water tank 174, a proppant (sand) tank 176 and a chemical tank 178may be coupled in fluid communication with the fracking blender 172. Thefresh wafer tank 174 contains a supply of fresh water. The sand tank 176contains a supply of particulate material such as grains of sand orceramic. The chemical tank 178 contains a supply of chemical additiveswhich mas include acids, sodium chloride, poly acrylamide, ethyleneglycol, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, guar gum, citric acid,isopropanol or combinations thereof.

The fracking blender 172 receives and mixes the fresh water, the sandand the chemical additives from the fresh water tank 174, the sand tank176 and the chemical tank 178, respectively, forming fracking fluid 186.The fracking pump 166 pumps the fracking fluid 186 from the frackingblender 172 through the fracking manifold 182 and the open frackingvalves 164, respectively, and at high pressure into the subterraneanhydrocarbon production well through the well head 160. The frackingfluid 186 may be pumped into the subterranean hydrocarbon productionwell at a rate which is sufficient to increase downhole pressure abovethe fracture gradient (pressure gradient) of the rock strata in thehydrocarbon formations surrounding the wellbore. The pressure of thefracking fluid 186 creates small fractures in the hydrocarbonformations, increasing permeability of the formations to thehydrocarbons and increasing subsequent production of the hydrocarbonsfrom the hydrocarbon production well typically through a Christmas tree(not illustrated) which is subsequently assembled over the hydrocarbonproduction well in place of the wellhead 160. After completion of thefracking operation, the fracking fluid 186 may be pumped from thehydrocarbon production well through the wellhead 160 and discharged intoa wastewater storage tank or pond 180.

Between fracking operations, it may be advantageous to periodicallyapply the grease 184 to the fracking valves 164 to lubricate and ensureoptimum operation and longevity of the fracking system 158. Accordingly,in some applications, the fracking manifold 182 may remain coupled tothe fracking valves 164. After lubrication of the fracking valves 164 iscompleted, the fracking operations may resume.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, preparatory to lubrication of thefracking valves 164, a grease pump 168 may be coupled in fluidcommunication with the grease distribution system 100. A grease supply170 may be coupled in fluid communication with the grease pump 168. Insome embodiments, the grease pump 168 and the grease supply 170 may beprovided together as a grease unit 167. Accordingly, responsive tooperation of the grease pump 168, the grease distribution system 100distributes a supply of grease 184 to a selected one or more of thefracking valves 164 in a precisely-controlled and monitored manner foroptimum lubrication of the fracking valve or valves 164 and operation ofthe fracking system 158, as will be hereinafter further described.

Referring next to FIGS. 2-7 of the drawings, the grease distributionsystem 100 may include a distribution manifold 118. A grease meter 154may communicate with the distribution manifold 118. A distributionmanifold inlet coupling 119 may communicate with the grease meter 154.Preparatory to operation of the grease distribution system 100, whichwill be hereinafter described, the grease pump 168 (FIG. 1) may becoupled to the distribution manifold inlet coupling 119.

The distribution manifold 118 may include multiple manifold valves 126,shown in FIG. 2 as manifold valves 126 a-126 l, respectively. Themanifold valves 126 in the distribution manifold 118 may correspond innumber to the respective fracking valves 164 which are to be lubricated.In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 2, twelve frackingvalves 164, indicated by the respective reference numerals 164 a-164 l,are configured for lubrication. However, it will be recognized andunderstood that the grease distribution system 100 may be adapted togrease any number of fracking valves 164. The distribution manifold 118of the grease distribution system 100 may be mounted on the wellhead 160typically in a manner which will be hereinafter described.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, a safety valve 140, indicated byreference numerals 140 a-140 l, respectively, may communicate with eachmanifold valve 126. Grease pressure gauges 146 a-146 l, respectively,may communicate with the respective safety valves 140 a-140 l. Thegrease pressure gauges 1146 a-146 l may be coupled in fluidcommunication with the respective fracking valves 164 a-164 l.

The distribution manifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 maybe mounted on the wellhead 160 using any suitable technique which isknown by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, in someembodiments, she distribution manifold 118 may include an upper valvemount plate 102 and a lower valve mount plate 110 which are mounted onthe well head 160 according to the knowledge of those skilled in theart. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the upper valvemount plate 102 may include a generally elongated main plate portion103. A pair of elongated, parallel, spaced-apart plate mount flanges 104may extend from the main plate portion 103 in perpendicular relationshipto a longitudinal axis of the main plate portion 103. Plate mountfasteners 105 may be extended through respective fastener openings (notillustrated) in the plate mount flanges 104 and threaded intoregistering fastener openings (not illustrated) in the well head 160. Anelongated inlet coupling mount flange 106 may extend from the main plateportion 103 in perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis ofthe main plate portion 103.

The lower valve mount plate 110 may include a generally elongated mainplate portion 111. A pair of parallel, spaced-apart plate mount flanges112 may extend from the main plate portion 111 in perpendicularrelationship to a longitudinal axis of the main plate portion 111. Theplate mount flanges 112 may be attached to the well head 160 using arespective pair of plate mount fasteners 113. A selected number of themanifold valves 126 of the distribution manifold 118 may be attached tothe upper valve mount plate 102 and the lower valve mount plate 110using brackets, mechanical fasteners and/or other suitable attachmenttechnique known by those skilled in the art.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the distribution manifold 118 mayinclude the distribution manifold inlet coupling 119. The distributionmanifold inlet coupling 119 may facilitate coupling of the grease pump168 (FIG. 1) to the distribution manifold 118. A stroke counter 120which counts the strokes of the grease pump 168 may be coupled in fluidcommunication with the distribution manifold inlet coupling 119 such asthrough a gauge coupling 122. A grease meter 121 may communicate withthe gauge coupling 122. Accordingly, the stroke counter 120 may countthe strokes of the grease pump 168 by measuring the intermittentpressure of the grease 184 corresponding to the strokes of the greasepump 168 as the grease 184 flows through the distribution manifold 118,whereas the grease meter 121 may indicate the quantity or volume of thegrease 184 which flows into the distribution manifold 118. An inletconduit 124 may be disposed in fluid communication with the grease meter121. The distribution manifold inlet coupling 119, the stroke counter120, the grease meter 121 and the gauge coupling 122 may be mounted onthe inlet coupling mount flange 106 of the upper valve mount plate 102using clips, brackets, ties, mechanical fasteners and/or any othertechniques (not illustrated) known by those skilled in the art.

The multiple manifold valves 126 of the distribution manifold 118 aredisposed in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 124 of thedistribution manifold 118. A main valve conduit 132 may be disposed influid communication with the inlet conduit 124. The manifold valves 126may be disposed in fluid communication with the main valve conduit 132.

In some embodiments, each manifold valve 126 may include a needle valveknown by those skilled in the art. Each manifold valve 126 may include amanifold valve coupling 127 which is provided in the main valve conduit132. A manifold valve body 128 may communicate with the manifold valvecoupling 127. A manifold valve handle 129 may be provided on themanifold valve body 128. The manifold valve handle 129 facilitatesselective opening and closing of the corresponding manifold valve 126 byrotation, typically in the conventional manner. The manifold valves 126may be mounted on the main plate portion 103 of the upper valve mountplate 102 using clips, brackets, ties, mechanical fasteners and/or anyother suitable technique which is known by those skilled in the art. Anydesired number of the manifold valves 126 may be connected to the mainvalve conduit 132 and mounted on the upper valve mount plate 102depending upon the number of fracking valves 164 which are to belubricated in application of the grease distribution system 100.Accordingly, the main valve conduit 132 may include multiple valveconduit segments 133. The manifold valve couplings 127 of the respectivemanifold valves 126 may be threaded and or otherwise coupled to thevalve conduit segments 133 depending on the number of fracking valves164 which are to be lubricated in operation of the grease distributionsystem 100.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, additionalmanifold valves 126 may be mounted on the main plate portion 111 of thelower valve mount plate 110. Each manifold valve 126 mounted on thelower valve mount plate 110 may have a design which is the same as orsimilar to each manifold valve 126 which is mounted on the upper valvemount plate 102. A connecting conduit 134 may establish fluidcommunication between the main valve conduit 132 of the manifold valves126 on the upper valve mount plate 102 with the main valve conduit 132of the manifold valves 126 on the lower valve mount plate 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a valve outlet conduit 138 may bedisposed in fluid communication with the manifold valve body 128 of eachcorresponding manifold valve 126 in the distribution manifold 118. Eachsafety valve 140 may be disposed in fluid communication with eachcorresponding valve outlet conduit 138. In some embodiments, each safetyvalve 140 may include a needle valve having a safety valve body 141 anda rotatable safety valve handle 142 which is provided on the safetyvalve body 141 and facilitates selective opening and closing of thesafety valve 140. Each grease pressure gauge 146 may be disposed influid communication with the corresponding safety valve 140 typicallythrough a gauge coupling 148. A grease fitting or fracking valve inletcoupling 152 may be disposed in fluid communication with eachcorresponding gauge coupling 148 typically through a conduit coupling150. The fracking valve inlet coupling 152 is coupled in fluidcommunication with the corresponding fracking valve 164 according to theknowledge of those skilled in the art. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the safety valve 140 may be closed in the event that the greasefitting 152 fails. During operation of the grease distribution system100, the safety valve 140 remains open, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The grease distribution system 100 may be coupled to the fracking valves164 typically via the grease fittings 152 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Betweenfracking operations, it may be desirable to lubricate one or more of thefracking valves 164 on the wellhead 160. Accordingly, in someapplications, the fracking manifold 182 may remain coupled to thefracking valves 164 during lubrication. In the event that lubrication ofany of the fracking valves 164 is deemed necessary, a selected one ormore of the manifold valves 126 which corresponds to the fracking valveor valves 164 to be lubricated may be opened typically by rotation ofthe corresponding manifold valve handle 129. The safety valve 140corresponding to the fracking valve or valves 164 to be lubricated mayremain opened throughout lubrication typically by rotation of thecorresponding safety valve handle 142. Responsive to subsequentoperation of the grease pump 168 (FIG. 1), grease 184 is distributedfrom the grease source 170 and through the open manifold valve 126 ofthe distribution manifold 118. The stroke counter 120 may measure thepressure of the grease 184 as it flows through the inlet conduit 124 ofthe distribution manifold 118 and indicate the strokes of the greasepump 168. Likewise, the grease meter 121 may indicate the quantity orvolume of grease 184 which flows through the inlet conduit 124. Thegrease 184 flows from the inlet conduit 124 through the main valveconduit 132 and into the open manifold valve or valves 126. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, the grease 184 flows through the open manifoldvalve 126 of the distribution manifold 118 and through the valve outletconduit 138, the open safety valve 140 and the grease fitting 152 andinto the fracking valve 164, lubricating the fracking valve 164. Thegrease pressure gauge 146 may indicate the pressure of the grease 184 asit flows through the safety valve 140 and the grease fitting 152 intothe fracking valve 164. The safety valve handle 142 can be rotationallyadjusted to select the quantity, flow rate and pressure of the grease184 which flows through the safety valve 140 into the fracking valve164.

Upon completion of the greasing operation, the manifold valve 126 of thedistribution manifold 118 and the safety valve 140 may be closed andoperation of the grease pump 168 terminated. In the event that any ofthe other fracking valves 164 requires lubrication, the manifold valve126 and safety valve 140 which correspond to that particular frackingvalve 164 may be opened and the fracking valve 164 lubricated in theforegoing manner. In some applications, when lubrication of the frackingvalve or valves 164 is completed, the grease distribution system 100 mayremain coupled to the fracking valves 164 during the frackingoperations.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the greasedistribution system 100 facilitates greasing of fracking valves on awellhead on an individual and precisely-controlled basis. Moreover, thegrease distribution system occupies little or no footprint in the areaof the wellhead.

Referring next to FIG. 8 of the drawings, a flow diagram of anillustrative embodiment of the grease distribution methods is generallyindicated by reference numeral 200. At Step 202, a grease distributionsystem is coupled to fracking valves. The grease distribution systemincludes a distribution manifold having a plurality of manifold valveswhich are coupled to the respective fracking valves. In someapplications, the distribution manifold may be mounted on the wellheadaccording to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In otherapplications, the distribution manifold may be supported on a standwhich may be placed adjacent to the wellhead. In still otherapplications, the distribution manifold may be supported on a mobileskid which mas be towed or otherwise maneuvered adjacent to thewellhead. In the various applications, the distribution manifold and thegrease unit may be supported on a mobile grease skid, which may be towedor otherwise maneuvered adjacent to the wellhead. In the variousapplications, the distribution manifold may be positioned immediatelyadjacent to the wellhead, such as in the “pressure zone” of thewellhead, or remotely located relative to the wellhead. As used herein,“pressure zone” refers to an area surrounding the wellhead in whichpersonnel may be subject to an increased health and safety risk duringfracking operations.

At Step 204, a grease pump of a grease unit may be coupled to the greasedistribution system. At Step 206, a fracking operation is terminated. AtStep 208, one or more manifold valves which correspond to the frackingvalve or valves to be lubricated are selected. At Step 210, the manifoldvalve(s) are opened. As Step 212, a grease pump is operated. At Step214, grease is distributed from the grease pump through manifoldvalve(s) to the fracking valve(s). At Step 216, the manifold valve(s)are closed. At Step 218, operation of the grease pump may be terminated.The grease distribution system may remain coupled to the frackingvalves. At Step 220, operation of the fracking system may be resumed.

Referring next to FIG. 9 of the drawings, in some embodiments, thedistribution manifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 may bemounted directly on the wellhead 160, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In someembodiments, the distribution manifold 118 may be attached to thewellhead 160 via the upper valve mount plate 102 and the lower valvemount plate 110, as was heretofore described with respect to FIG. 5. Inother embodiments, the distribution manifold 118 may be attached to thewellhead 160 using brackets, mechanical fasteners and/or any othersuitable technique known by those skilled in the art.

Referring next to FIGS. 10 and 14, in some embodiments, the distributionmanifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 may be mounted on aself-supporting stand 190. In some embodiments, the stand 190 mayinclude a stand base 191 which rests flat on a supporting surface 193. Apair of upward-standing stand legs 192 may extend from the stand base191. An upper valve mount plate 194 and a lower valve mount plate 196may be mounted on the stand legs 192. the distribution manifold 118 maybe mounted on the upper valve mount plate 194 and the lower valve mountplate 196. Accordingly, the stand 190, with the grease distributionsystem 100 mounted thereon, can be placed at or adjacent to the wellhead160. The grease distribution system 198 can be coupled to the frackingvalves 164 and operated typically as was heretofore described. Afterlubrication of the fracking valves 164 is completed, the greasedistribution system 198 can remain coupled to the fracking valves 164during fracking operations, or may alternatively be uncoupled from thefracking valves 164 prior to resumption of fracking operations.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the distributionmanifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 may be mounted on amobile skid 198. The mobile skid 198 may include a skid platform (notillustrated) and multiple skid runners (not illustrated) provided on theskid platform to render the mobile skid 198 mobile on a flat surface.Accordingly, the mobile skid 198, with the grease distribution system100 mounted thereon, can be towed or otherwise maneuvered into place ator adjacent to the wellhead 160. The grease distribution system 198 canbe coupled to the fracking valves 164 and operated typically as washeretofore described. After lubrication of the fracking valves 164 iscompleted, the grease distribution system 198 can remain coupled to thefracking valves 164 during fracking operations, or may alternatively beuncoupled from the fracking valves 164 prior to resumption of frackingoperations.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, both the distributionmanifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 and the grease unit167 may be mounted on a mobile grease skid 199. The mobile grease skid199 may include a grease skid platform (not illustrated) and multiplegrease skid runners (not illustrated) provided on the grease skidplatform to render the mobile grease skid 199 mobile on a flat surface.Accordingly, the mobile grease skid 199, with the grease distributionsystem 100 and the grease unit 167 mounted thereon, can be towed orotherwise maneuvered into place at or adjacent to the wellhead 160. Thegrease distribution system 198 can be coupled to the fracking valves 164and operated typically as was heretofore described. After lubrication ofthe fracking valves 164 is completed, the grease distribution system canremain coupled to the fracking valves 164 during fracking operations, ormay alternatively be uncoupled from the fracking valves 164 prior toresumption of fracking operations.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, both the distributionmanifold 118 of the grease distribution system 100 and the grease unit167 may be mounted on a trailer 200. The trailer 200 may include atrailer platform (not illustrated) and multiple trailer wheels (notillustrated) provided on the trailer platform to render the trailer 200mobile on a flat surface. Accordingly, the trailer 200, with the greasedistribution system 100 and the grease unit 167 mounted thereon, can betowed or otherwise maneuvered into place at or adjacent to the wellhead160. The grease distribution system 198 can be coupled to the frackingvalves 164 and operated typically as was heretofore described. Afterlubrication of the fracking valves 164 is completed, the greasedistribution system 198 can remain coupled to the fracking valves 164during fracking operations, or may alternatively be uncoupled from thefracking valves 164 prior to resumption of fracking operations.

While certain illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have beendescribed above, it will be recognized and understood that variousmodifications can be made to the embodiments and the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications which may fall within thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of lubricating fracking valves on awellhead, comprising: mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead, the distribution manifold having a plurality of manifoldvalves; selecting at least one of the fracking valves for lubrication;coupling at least one of the plurality of manifold valves of the greasedistribution system to the at least one of the fracking valves; couplinga grease pump to the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves;opening the at least one of the plural its of manifold valves; anddistributing grease from the grease pump through the at least one of theplurality of manifold valves to the at least one of the fracking valvesby operation of the grease pump.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinmounting a distribution manifold of a grease distribution system on,adjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead comprises providingat least one valve mount plate and mounting the plurality of manifoldvalves on the at least one valve mount plate.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising mounting the at least one valve mount plate on thewellhead.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein mounting a distributionmanifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotelywith respect to the wellhead comprises mounting the distributionmanifold within a pressure zone around the wellhead.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead comprises mounting the distribution manifold outside a pressurestone around the wellhead.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein mounting adistribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to orremotely with respect to the wellhead comprises providing a stand,mounting the distribution manifold on the stand and placing the standadjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead comprises providing a skid, placing the distribution manifoldon the skid and placing the skid adjacent to or remotely with respect tothe wellhead.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein mounting a distributionmanifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotelywith respect to the wellhead comprises providing a trailer, placing thedistribution manifold on the trailer and placing the trailer adjacent toor remotely with respect to the wellhead.
 9. A method of lubricatingfracking valves on a wellhead, comprising: mounting a distributionmanifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotelywith respect to the wellhead, the distribution manifold having aplurality of manifold valves; coupling a plurality of safety valves tothe plurality of manifold valves, respectively; selecting at least oneof the fracking valves for lubrication; coupling at least one of theplurality of safety valves of the grease distribution system to the atleast one of the fracking valves; coupling a grease pump to the at leastone of the plurality of manifold valves; opening the at least one of theplurality of manifold valves; and distributing grease from the greasepump through the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves andthe at least one of the plurality of safety valves, respectively, to theat least one of the fracking valves by operation of the grease pump. 10.The method of claim 9 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of agrease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect tothe wellhead comprises providing at least one valve mount plate andmounting the plurality of manifold valves on the at least one valvemount plate.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising mounting theat least one valve mount plate on the wellhead.
 12. The method of claim9 therein mounting a distribution manifold of a grease distributionsystem on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellheadcomprises mounting the distribution manifold within a pressure zonearound the wellhead.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein mounting adistribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to orremotely with respect to the wellhead comprises mounting thedistribution manifold outside a pressure zone around the wellhead. 14.The method of claim 9 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of agrease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect tothe wellhead comprises providing a stand, mounting the distributionmanifold on the stand and placing the stand adjacent to or remotely withrespect to the wellhead.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein mounting adistribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to orremotely with respect to the wellhead comprises providing a skid,placing the distribution manifold on the skid and placing the skidadjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead.
 16. The method ofclaim 9 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead comprises providing a trailer, placing the distributionmanifold on the trailer and placing the trailer adjacent to or remotelywith respect to the wellhead.
 17. A method of lubricating frackingvalves on a wellhead, comprising: mounting a distribution manifold of agrease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect tothe wellhead, the distribution manifold having a plurality of manifoldvalves; coupling a plurality of safety valves to the plurality ofmanifold valves, respectively; coupling a plurality of grease pressuregauges to the plurality of safety valves, respectively; selecting atleast one of the fracking valves for lubrication; coupling at least oneof the plurality of grease pressure gauges of the grease distributionsystem to the at least one of the fracking valves; coupling a greasepump to the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; openingthe at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; and distributinggrease from the grease pump through the at least one of the plurality ofmanifold valves and the at least one of the plurality of safety valves,respectively, to the at least one of the fracking valves by operation ofthe grease pump.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein mounting adistribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to orremotely with respect to the wellhead comprises providing a stand,mounting the distribution manifold on the stand and placing the standadjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead comprises mounting a distribution manifold having adistribution manifold inlet coupling, a stroke counter disposed in fluidcommunication with the distribution manifold inset coupling, a greasemeter disposed in fluid communication with the distribution manifoldinlet coupling, an inlet conduit disposed in fluid communication withthe grease meter and a main valve conduit disposed in fluidcommunication with the inlet conduit on, adjacent to or remotely withrespect to the wellhead, and wherein the plurality of manifold valves isdisposed in fluid communication with the main valve conduit.
 20. Themethod of claim 17 wherein mounting a distribution manifold of a greasedistribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to thewellhead comprises mounting the distribution manifold outside a pressurezone around the wellhead.